The Easy Runner Blog

JO Pavey returns to the streets of the capital for her first race since the London Marathon with the BUPA 10,000m today.

It was six weeks ago that the Bristol & West AC life member made a successful debut over the marathon distance covering the 26.2 miles in 2hrs 28mins 24secs to earn a place in the Great Britain team for the World Championships in South Korea.

Since then Pavey, who is now splitting her time between west London and her new home in Tiverton, has made a good recovery and while she won’t be in top shape for a quick time she is looking forward to racing again.

“I am pleased I did not end up injured after the London marathon and I have recovered pretty well with no niggles or problems at all,” said Pavey.

“After taking time to recover I have had limited time to do the sessions I would like to do before a 10k but it will be nice to get back out there and race again.

“I am really looking forward to the race.”

Monday’s race, which incorporates the UK Athletics Championships, has attracted a top British line-up including world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe in what will be her first race of the year.

“It will be good to see Paula out racing again,” added Pavey.

The race is offering extensive prize money for British athletes with £2000 for the top man and woman and cash awards stretching down to tenth place.

ANNABEL Gummow can start planning for her first major international track championships in Estonia after a stunning performance at the weekend.
The 17-year-old Bristol & West AC runner finishing third in the women’s 5000m at the British Milers’ Club Grand Prix race in Manchester’s Sports City Stadium on Saturday night.
The race also incorporated the UK Championships and European trials for under 20 women and Gummow finished second in that age group with a stunning debut time of 15mins 53.27secs.
“I just can’ believe that,” said Gummow. “I felt so good and just got stronger and stronger as the race went on. I am gob-smacked with the time.”

Gorecka, also 17, won in a PB of 15:51.20 with 21-year-old Lauren Howarth runner-up in 15:51.49 and such was the standard of the race that the top ten runners all clocked PBs.

TEAM Avon strengthened their grip on the Avon Division of the National Junior League with another emphatic victory at Cheltenham yesterday.

The record of this new team now reads two matches and two wins leaving them halfway towards a successful promotion campaign.

Overall scores: 1 Team Avon 537; 2 South/East Wales 477; 3 Cheltenham 465.5; 4 Plymouth/Cornwall 369.5.

STEVE Mitchell wasn’t happy with his performance in the 1500m A race at the British Milers’ Club Grand Prix in Manchester on Saturday night but at least he came home with a personal best.
The Bristol & West AC runner finished fourth in a time of 3mins 43.59secs but got his tactics wrong asa he found himself leading through the bell.
“I was too aggressive and I know I am in better shape than that,” said Mitchell. “I really believe I could have won that race tonight.”
Notts AC’s Brue Raeside played the waiting game to perfection to claim victory with a personal best time of 3:41.69 with Dan Clorley (3:42.66) and Paul Robinson (3:43.25)0 second and third respectively also running PBs.

ALSO in Manchester Bristol & West AC’s Andrew Wood stepped out next to smash his personal best by four seconds to win the 800m H race in 1:52.72 and give himself a nice 20th birthday present (May30th).
“I only raced the 800m once last year and have been running 1500m so to come out with that is brilliant,” said Wood. “I knew 800m would be my distance and I’m sure I can go quicker if I can get into a quicker race at the next BMC meeting.”

TOM Russell defends his 5000m title at the British Mileres’ Club Grand Prix meeting in Manchester tomorrow night.
The Bristol & West AC runner won at the Sport City twelve months ago with a superb sprint finish and can expect another tough race.
In the women’s 5000m, which incorporates the UK Championships and European Junior trials for under 20women, Bristol & West’s Annabel Gummow has high hopes of making the team.
Clubmate Steve Mitchell is entered in the 1500m and will be looking to follow up his victory in the Loughborough International last weekend.

TOM Merson heads a Bristol & West AC squad heading to the capital on Monday for the BUPA London 10,000m road race.
Merson will be joined by Andrew Chambers and Steve Goss in the three-man team that could be in contention for a top six team place.
“If we all have good runs then it will be interesting to see how we fare,” said Merson, who is hoping to break his PB of 30mins 55secs.

THE new Tyntesfield 10k multi terrain race is here to stay. That was the message from organisers Nailsea Running Club after the success of Tuesday’s event which replaced the Long Ashton 10k.
“It was a huge success,” said race organiser Keith Brown. “We are delighted with the way it went, the feedback from runners was very good and I’m sure we will be back again next year.”
ClevedonAC’s Matt Newman was a convincing winner of the men’s race while Bristol & West AC’s Annabel Brown was seventh overall and top woman.
Interestingly of the 400 maximum entries 385 finished the race held around the beautiful grounds of the iconic National Trust property in north Somerset.
Men: 1 Matthew Newman (CAC) 37:14; 2 Tom Room (Bath Uni) 37:49; 3 John Cracknell 37:53; 4 Andrew Harrison (GWR) 38:56; 5 Paul Murrin (Chep) 40:20; 6 Martyn Green (TRC) 40:24.
Women: 1 Annabel Granger (B&W) 40:26; 2 Niki Morgan (Chep) 46:18; 3 Ann Singer (PRC) 46:29; 4 Lou Summers (Chep) 47:11; 5 Joanne Ross (GWR) 47:35; 6 Emma Oughton (GWR) 47:58.

THE Exeter Arena stages the British Milers’ Club Gold Standard meeting on Tuesday night (May 31st) with races over 800m and 1500m starting at 8pm. To register in advance contact John Knowles on 01872 263541 or email him at: john.knowles1500@o2.co.uk
“It looks like it is going to be a very big entry with almost 100 runners already registered so I am expecting a good night of racinig,” said Knowles.

THE next Bridge Inn 5K race, supported by Easy Runner, will be held next Tuesday (May 31st). As usual entries are taken on the night from 6.30pm and the race start is at 7.30pm.